ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

& GUIDE
Included:
Overview

Dos and Donts Checklist

Academic Letter of Recommendation Instructions

Sample Academic Letter of Recommendation

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008

1. Overview
The modern job market is competitive, and applicants must work hard to stand out from an ever-growing
pool of potential employees. Letters of recommendation play an essential role in this process, and can
push the decision on a candidate from a maybe to a yes. A strong letter goes beyond a resumes flat
descriptions and adds an evaluative element to what is otherwise just a list of tasks performed.
Unfortunately, writing personal letters of recommendation takes time and consideration; its difficult to
know where to start or what to include. The enclosed sample will provide structure for a personalized
letter, eliminating some of the tedious and time-consuming drafting that would otherwise be required.
You can support a student or former student quickly and effectively, without taking too much time to
recreate a standardized document.
With a little consideration and some personal additions, the enclosed letter can provide a significant
boost to those who may need it in their job search. It will afford those individuals concrete and credible
evidence of their abilities and past accomplishments, and may help them get them into the school of
their dreams.

2. Dos & Donts Checklist

Before writing a letter of recommendation, consider your acquaintance with the person requesting
it. Are you familiar with their work? Do you have a favorable impression of their experience and
capacity? Can you honestly recommend them? If the answer to any of these questions is no, have
a candid discussion with the candidate and try to resolve your concerns. If you are unable to do so,
suggest that there may others better suited to serve as the applicants advocate.
Academic letters of recommendation are generally provided by individuals who have witnessed a
students participation in both class and extracurricular activities, and provide organized and frank
discussions of an applicants abilities and achievements. Think of these as written versions of an
interview: what would you say to the face of a school administrator? What would you want to
convey?
Although it seems self-aggrandizing, its important to emphasize your own credentials when drafting
an academic letter of recommendation. The more important you seem, the more your opinion will
matter to the prospective institution.
Show the reader youve known the candidate for long enough to have formed an educated and
cogent opinion. Communicate your confidence in and support of the applicant and try to provide
some insight into his or her personal attributes.

ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008

 Though it is important for you to customize the document to fit your needs, the standard structure
of a letter of recommendation is (and should remain) as follows:
The authors credentials provided in the letterhead, signature block, and/or opening paragraph.
The relationship between the author and the candidate described in the opening paragraph.
The authors opinion of the candidate introduced in the first paragraph and reiterated in the
closing.
The candidates attributes discussed in two or three concise paragraphs, and one or two
discrete personality traits addressed in each such paragraph.
If you are struggling to make the letter more personal, ask the candidate for additional information
about him or herself (e.g., transcripts, writing samples or a short narrative).
Before agreeing to write a letter, ask about any pending submission deadlines. If you cant complete
the letter within the available time frame, inform the candidate immediately so he or she can seek
out alternatives.
Be thoughtful about revising the enclosed letter. A smart reviewer knows to read between the lines
of a letter of recommendation, and will consider what your letter does not say. Phrasing can reveal
much about an authors true knowledge and feelings.
The enclosed form begins with the phrase: It is a genuine pleasure and honor for me to
recommend. If you are not well acquainted with a candidate, consider an introduction more
appropriate to your relationship. For example: This serves as a letter of reference for.

3. Academic Letter of Recommendation Instructions

An academic letter of recommendation should be between one and two pages.
The attached document is a sample. Although it can be used with minimal editing, its a good idea
to include more personal details as well. Try to incorporate anecdotes or stories of the persons
achievements, or conversations you shared with the candidate any information that might provide a
more nuanced understanding of the applicant.
The enclosed document is addressed To Whom It May Concern. Ask the applicant for a more
specific recipient. A general address makes both you and the candidate look unprofessional and
unprepared.
The subject of the enclosed letter of recommendation is referred to as CANDIDATE throughout the
document. The capital letters are used to make instances of that word easier to locate. Review the
document and replace the word CANDIDATE with the applicants name. Remember to remove all
prompts as well (e.g., [title]).
The enclosed letter is gender neutral. Revise any areas marked [his/her], [he/she], or [him/her] with
the pronoun appropriate to the candidate.

ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008

 Proofread the letter carefully. The letters form is itself a recommendation: sincerity and
authority can be undermined by a misspelled word or an unchanged CANDIDATE.
Consider including your contact information below your signature. This will allow the interviewer
to get in touch with any follow-up questions and will solidify in his or her mind your enthusiasm for
the candidate. If you do not wish to provide this information, delete the last sentence of the closing
paragraph.

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ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008

Form Sample

ACADEMIC LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008